10 Most Common CV Mistakes I See Every Week (And How to Fix Them)

“I’ve applied for so many jobs… but no one is calling me back.” If that sounds like you, you’re not

These are the 10 CV mistakes I see every single week:

1. Copy pasting your job description
Your CV shouldn’t sound like your old contract. Employers want to see results, not just responsibilities.

Instead: Start with action verbs. End with impact.
Example: “Increased client satisfaction scores by 35% after revamping service SOPs.”

2. Using the same CV for every job
Generic = invisible.

Instead: Tailor your CV with keywords from each job description. Yes, it takes time. But it’s worth it.

3. Skipping the Professional Summary
If your CV dives straight into work history, you’ve missed the chance to tell your story.

Instead: Use 3–5 lines at the top to position yourself powerfully.

4. Listing responsibilities, not achievements
“I was in charge of scheduling.”
So what?

Instead: Show what changed because of your input. “Reduced delays by 60% by automating scheduling process.”

5. Ignoring keywords
No keywords = no interviews. Simple.

Instead: Use tools like Jobscan or read 3 job descriptions for your target role and pull out recurring terms.

6. Making it too long or too vague
Six pages? Too much. One page with nothing substantial? Too little.

Instead: Keep it 2 pages max, rich with proof of impact.

7. Using fluffy buzzwords
“Hardworking. Go-getter. Team player.”
These are tired.

Instead: Show, don’t tell. Let your actions prove your character.

8. Not quantifying anything
Numbers are powerful. They build trust.

Instead: Add data. Revenue growth, team size, budget managed, performance metrics.

9. Typos and bad formatting
One typo can cost you the opportunity of a lifetime.

Instead: Triple check grammar. Use a clean format. Ask someone you trust or work with a professional.

10. Trying to do it all alone
Writing a CV isn’t just writing. It’s positioning. It’s branding. And it’s hard to do by yourself.

Instead: Work with someone who knows how to bring out your brilliance.

Your CV is not just a paper.
It’s your personal billboard.
It’s the first “hello” before you even step in the room.

If it’s not making people stop and take notice, you’re losing opportunities you deserve.

But here’s the truth:
You don’t need to start over. You just need to show up differently.

Need help fixing your CV?
I help professionals like you go from overlooked to irresistible with CVs that open doors and get interviews.

Visit my website
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Let’s make sure your brilliance isn’t hidden in plain sight.